Craft Beverage Support

Frederick County leads the state in the combined number of wineries, breweries and distilleries. Frederick County has 39 wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries and meaderies, representing a 39% increase since 2017.

The county is home to the first farm brewery, first meadery, and first cidery in Maryland, as well as the largest winery (Linganore Winecellars) in the state. Frederick County is also home to the first craft beverage trifecta – Springfield Manor – offering wines, beers and spirits. Frederick was ranked number 17 in the Best Cities in the World for Craft Beer by Matador Network.

Frederick County Craft Beverage Logo

Craft Beverage Start-Up Support

To further grow this industry and make it even easier for entrepreneurs to launch their businesses, the How to Start a Winery, Brewery, Distillery in Frederick County guide outlines how to navigate the federal, state, and county process for starting a craft beverage business. The guide was created with input and advice from the Frederick County Division of Planning, Frederick County Liquor Board, Brewers Association of Maryland, Maryland Wineries Association, and the Maryland Distillers Guild, as well as several local wineries, breweries, and distilleries who provided feedback firsthand from their experiences going through the process. To receive your copy, please email us today.

The Office of Agriculture also provides knowledgeable site selection assistance for the craft beverage industry. Please contact us to get started in finding your perfect business location.


Craft Beverage Marketing Support

Liquor BottlesThrough a partnership with the Tourism Council of Frederick County, we have focused on growing the industry through a tourism-focused marketing effort. Looking to visit Frederick County? Be sure to check out this brochure. 

Homegrown Frederick Craft Beverages Directory

Homegrown Frederick Craft Beverage Showcase at the Great Frederick Fair

Craft Beverage Incentives

Maryland Tax Credits

Maryland Vineyard/Hopyard/Orchard Planting Loan Fund

Maryland Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program